Open House Perth is an annual event that encourages us to take a look inside some of our city's most iconic and interesting buildings. Since starting in London back in 1992, Open House now takes place in cities all over the world. It celebrates wonderful architecture and unique design and their motto is 'Love Your City' - something we can well and truly get behind.
This year, Open House Perth will take place over 11-12 November. There are 106 destinations in this year's program, ranging from public interest buildings, residential properties, restaurants, offices and more and stretching through Northbridge and the CBD as well as Cottesloe in the west, Fremantle in the south, Maylands in the east and Osborne Park and Dianella in the north. Here is our list of top destinations from this year's program. You can browse the full list over here, or drop into the shop and pick up your free copy of the printed program!
1. Skater's Eye Tour
Local skateboarder Morgan Dyson leads this tour of some of the architecture and public places used for skateboarding in the Perth cityscape, from the CBD to Northbridge, whilst discussing the history of skateboarding in Perth.
Bookings for this one are required, and can be made over here.
Meet at 15 Howard St, Perth. Saturday 10am.
2. The Madaschi Residence
Get inside one of Perth's iconic Iwan Iwanoff houses - what a treat! This Dianella gem was built in 1970 and is a perfect example of Iwanoff's particular brutalist style.
53 Shannon Rd, Dianella. Sun 10-5, no booking required.
3. Chicho Gelato
It's quite possible that we are Chicho Gelato's biggest fans. Their stylish fit out (complete with marble bench top from Italy) complements their fresh and unique flavours perfectly. Try the mint choc brownie whilst swooning over their neon lights and beautiful colour scheme.
180 William St, Northbridge. Sat & Sun 12-11, no bookings required - just come and buy a scoop!
4. Comet Pizza
Have you tried Comet Pizza yet? It's SO delicious! Being our almost neighbours (there's only ice cream in between us) we have been eating our fill of their pies. But yes, this event is about design and there's a good reason that Comet are included - their fit out is oh so smooth.
252-254 William St, Northbridge. Sat & Sun 1-5, no booking required.
5. Triangle House
What the architects of this house have created with an unusual, triangle shaped block is incredible. The resulting building is modern, spacious, functional and stylish.
51 Vincent St, Mt Lawley. Sun 10-5, no booking required.
6. City of Perth Library
Thoughtfully designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the new City of Perth Library is a beautiful building that inspires calm and learning - just like a library should! This is the perfect time to acquaint yourself with the building (and maybe even sign up to the library while you're at it!)
573 Hay St, Perth. Sat 10-4 & Sun 12-4, no booking required.
7. West Australian Ballet Company
The WA Ballet Company call a grand old Maylands building home - you've probably spied it when driving down Whatley Crescent. With a history dating back to 1897, the unique building has been transformed into a world-class dance facility open to the community.
134 Whatley Cres, Maylands. Sun 12-5.
8. His Majesty's Theatre
Now for a classic - the stunning His Majesty's Theatre in the CBD. An Edwardian Baroque building, it was constructed from 1902 to 1904 during Perth's gold rush period and was the largest theatre in Australia at that time. Have you looked at the roof inside the theatre before? Check it out!
825 Hay St, Perth. Sun 10-4, no booking required.
Open House Perth runs from 11-12 November and encourages you to take a trip through your city to discover things you've probably never seen before. It is free to attend, so go forth and #loveyourcity !